PORTLAND (AP) — Peoples Heritage Bank said Monday it will offer Sunday banking hours at seven of its branches, becoming the first bank in Maine to expand beyond a six-day workweek.

As of May 1, Peoples Heritage will operate the seven offices from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays, a decision it attributed to changes in consumer shopping habits.

“Modern life means busier schedules for all of us. People now go grocery shopping, head to the mall and take care of a lot of personal business over the weekend. To us, that indicated a need for Sunday hours,” said William J. Ryan, president and chief executive officer.

Peoples Heritage said the seven branches with Sunday hours are near major shopping centers or supermarkets.

Two of the offices are in South Portland, at Mill Creek and on Philbrook Road.